Scotland’s Period Product Acts which was implemented on Monday was celebrated online by women all over England. However, the appointment of a male period dignity officer has sparked outrage as many agree that the position should have gone to ‘people who menstruate.’
On Monday, Scotland became the first country in the World to implement a new law allowing free menstruation products to be made available for girls and women.
This Period Products Act, which was proposed by MP Monica Lennon, is meant to tackle Period Poverty.
Period Poverty is defined as ‘when someone who needs period products a reality.’
The bill means that local councils, schools, and other providers must make period products available at any time.
Ms Lennon said: “Local authorities and partner organisations have worked hard to make the legal right to access free period products a reality.
“This is another big milestone for period dignity campaigners and grassroots movements which shows the difference that progressive and bold political choices can make,
She added: “As the cost-of-living crisis takes hold, the Period Products Act is a beacon of hope which shows what can be achieved when politicians come together for the good of the people we serve.”
Mr Grant will be involved with working with the area’s period dignity group to roll out the legal right to free period products in public.
He will be expected to lead a regional campaign across schools, colleges and wider communities to ensure that Scottish government funding is allocated appropriately.
However, a group in Tayside has caused a stir on social media for appointing a man as a period dignity officer.
Jason Grant’s hiring has sparked online debates with many critics saying that the job should have gone to a woman.
He will be having discussions on free access to periods and menopause.
“It’s about making people aware of the availability of period products for anyone, of any gender, whenever they need it,” Grant told the Daily Mail.
“I think being a man will help me to break down barriers, reduce stigma, and encourage more open discussions. Although affecting women directly, periods are an issue for everyone.”
News of his appointment has sparked criticism on social media and elsewhere, with many calling his appointment ‘absurd’.
“Have we ever tried to explain to men how to shave, or how to take care of their prostate, or whatever?” Wimbledon star Martina Navratilova tweeted in reaction to the news of his appointment. “This is absurd.”
Author Susan Dalgety called it nothing more than “institutionalized mansplaining.”
“I don’t disagree that boys should be taught more about menstruation, but appointing a bloke as the first period dignity officer is institutionalised mansplaining.”
